I am THAT mom.....

The anticipation had been building. I'm not sure who was more excited and anxious, me or JJ.

My anxiousness was just making sure we got to class on time. She was pumped!

"Is it time for dance class?"

"Its my first dance class!!"

"Really, mom? Is it time for dance class?"

She was excited as we drove the 1/2 block to her class. Yes, I said drove. I thought it was further, but it was not. In fact, I can see the dance studio from my house. I just didn't know that was the dance studio.

We made it early. JJ was excited. I was excited. We put her little tap shoes on and sent her in.

I watched as she excitedly smacked around her food according to the instructors suggestions and instructions and then something changed.

My gregarious 3 year old started to shut down. It started with 1 finger in the mouth and limited movements. Then 3 fingers in her mouth and no movements at all. She was holding on to one of the helpers hands and doing nothing.


Standing there, sucking on three fingers, her eyes huge, she refused to do anything.  She managed to shuffle along to my side of the room where I was sitting just outside the studio door. I reached in and tugged her hand over and took her fingers out of her mouth. I told her to take them out and encouraged her to keep going. She buried her head in my shoulder and refused to return to class. There were a few false starts and buckling legs as I tried to haul her back into the room. We spent the rest of the class with her sitting with her head in my lap, or wiggling around and refusing to be encouraged back into it. I even threatened to make her go sit in the car by herself if she wouldn't smarten up and at least sit and watch.

As soon as I went to talk to her I realised my mistake.

I was interfering in the class.

If I'd left well enough alone she probably would have stayed in the class, sucking her fingers, but at least stayed.

I was THAT mom who tried to help out her kid at an inappropriate time.

My lack of experience felt embarrassing.

I'm embarrassed I didn't know better.

How could I though? It was my first dance class too.

I at least had the sense to apologise to the teacher.

We'll try again next week. Then the next...and keep at it.

We aren't quitters.

And I'll try not to be that mom anymore.

Growing Pains

Tights

Bodysuits

Capezio "Carmel" Tap Shoes

The Google work I've had to do this week has been intense.

In a fun and exciting way though.

JJ is starting her first organised children's activity and we are registering her for Tiny Tap Dance Classes tomorrow.

In fact JOHN RAMBO is taking her to register.

I grew up on farm work.

You know weeds, chickens, eggs, combining....

Played a few sports, learned a couple instruments.

I don't have a HOT CLUE when it comes to fancy pants dance.

But I guess I'm going to learn.

We watched River Dance YouTube videos to get prepared for this new adventure. *snorffles*

Lord, help me, if I become a "Dance Mom." Those crazy people on those crazy kids talent shows need a lot of help. So I'm asking early.

The Real Mrs. Rambo

I yelled at Tiny Bear in the grocery store.

She was stomping on the box of crackers while standing in the cart.

She was in the cart because she was running away from me in the store.

Tiny Bear was mad, hence the stomping.

I shrieked a bit before I got a grip and switched to my "firm mom voice."

I still feel like a horrible mom for losing it in public.

Snapshots

John Rambo left us alone for 13 + hours while he was gone for some training. While the cat's away....

Had a great morning with a LEO family that I *adore*. It was so nice to say "I'm feeling the urge to move again" and be told that the only way I could move was if I moved to her town...ha. Made me feel loved and appreciated.

Went for an ultrasound. Possible ruptured ovarian cyst. No idea what that means or what happens from here but we will wait and see.

Tiny Bear fell asleep in the car on our way home. She was one tuckered little bear.

Cuddled Tiny Bear after her nap. She fell back asleep in my arms. I love that.

After JJ and Tiny Bear threw a bunch of baby wipes on the floor I discovered they are wonderful for actually washing linoleum. :) I can add that to the other uses of taking marks off the wall, wiping pen off of faces...you name it, they are the most versatile tool I own.

Walked with the girls to the bakery. Ate a whole bunch of cookies and maybe a donut or two. We then played outside in our yard. It is so nice to have warm weather again!

The girls broke out the back gate. Must have not been locked. By the time I caught them they were playing in puddle at the end of the back alley, down by the side street. You can never be too careful with little ones...quick little mischievous ones. Due to this fact Tiny Bear is wearing "backup" pants. I wouldn't usually let her wear stripes on stripes but her jeans were all wet after stumbling into the puddle.

Tiny Bear took off her rubber boots and her jacket. Disobedience has its consequences. This time I let her keep them off. She was crying within 20 minutes that her feet were cold. Experience is the greatest teacher. She then reported to her grandmother on the phone later,

"Side(outside), COLD...toes" You get the idea.

During family prayer time JJ said "pray for baby Jebus, for baby in mommy's tummy, pray for everyone FOR ALL OF THEM (with wild hand gestures), and for both Grandma's and Grandfather's and uncles" *clapping hands excitedly* " and, and FOR EVERYBODY!"

It was a good day.

Parenting between the shifts...

How do you keep a 3 year old and a 22 month-old relatively quiet so that a night shifter can get some sleep during the day?

I'm not sure it is possible.

Sunday Confessional

Being a mom is easy.

Being a good mom is the most difficult thing I've ever done.